If one were to mention the name Penz among football fans in Rochester, they’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who couldn’t throw at least one first name into the conversation.
Over the last decade or so, the Penz family has done its best to leave a mark at Rochester Mayo, both on and off the gridiron.
Former Spartan standouts, Matt and Drew, got enough attention in the green and gold to earn the chance to play college football at St. Olaf. While in Northfield, both Penz brothers captained the team on the field and excelled in the classroom.
Nate, the youngest of the three brothers, is Mayo’s senior quarterback. He is listed at only 6-foot-1 on the roster, but he has etched giant-sized numbers into the school’s record books.
But with a supportive family, his numbers shouldn’t come as a surprise.
“There isn’t too much pressure on me to play well because my brothers have helped me along through the process,” Nate said. “I look up to both of my brothers, being the youngest of the three. They knew how to get things done on the field, and they’ve helped me.”
Just as the senior signal-caller dishes accolades to his brothers for helping him be successful, the modest Penz is quick to divvy out praise for his teammates.
“All the records, everything individual, I couldn’t have done without my team,” Penz said. “I just focus on trying to win every game.”
This season, Nate and his Spartan teammates have put together a 7-2 record and await their seed in the Class 5A, Section 1 playoffs, which will be announced in the next few days.
Penz has passed for more than 1,000 yards, having connected with a plethora of receivers throughout the season.
While his numbers are likely to get him looks from coaches at the next level, Nate isn’t sure where he wants to play football after graduation.
Actually, that's one of the last things he's worried about. Right now, it’s playoff time.
-- Zack Friedli, MN Football Hub staff
1. Dontai Karnitz, Rochester Mayo
The junior wideout had only three catches but racked up 58 receiving yards and scored the game-winning touchdown for the Spartans. Karnitz also came up big on defense with an interception.
2. Drew Osmundson, Owatonna
Osmundson proved to be the Huskies' biggest threat through the air, hauling in three passes for 71 yards and touchdowns of 40 and 25 yards.
3. Nate Penz, Rochester Mayo
Although he threw three picks, the senior QB played very well in the fourth quarter, finishing the game with 230 passing yards, including several cold-blooded connections to lead Mayo to a last-second victory.
-- Zack Friedli, MN Football Hub staff